Have owned a pontoon with trolling motor for years but just bought a bass boat.

On a budget, I purchased a Hummingbird Helix 7 G2N Side Image that came with a SI Transom transducer.

I want to add a transducer to the front so I can move my unit up front as well

My question is, do I buy a Side Image transducer for the trolling motor or a Down Image?

I have heard both and don't want to get the wrong thing.

I have heard the N in G2N is for networking and the front can be tired to the drivers area. But assume that means two units?

Do you not use Side image units up front?

any advice would be awesome - thanks

The unit does not have a circuit for a Down Imaging transducer. You can connect either a SI transducer or 2D transducer.

Networking means sharing data between/among units via Ethernet cable.

I use Side Imaging at the bow a lot more than I do at the console since I fish more than just ride around.

If you put a Side Imaging transducer on the trolling motor, use the proper one for that application.
XTM 9 SI 180 T
XTM 9 HDSI 180 T---the best one.

Wayne - Does that model (XTM 9 HDSI 180 T---the best one) work with a Helix 7?
When I go to Hummingbird's site I see it works with the Helix 9.

Sorry to be unprepared but appreciate the help.

Of course it works with the second generation Helix 7 SI unit or I wouldn't have listed it.
It will produce sharper images than the shorter Compact SI transducer in the transom or trolling motor version.

It will improve the images with ANY Humminbird SI unit that comes with the standard Compact SI transducer.

Notice any difference between those two screen shots?

I appreciate the help.
Last question, likely stupid but wont have to wonder

Although the transducer that came with the unit is an SI transducer and the one you recommend adding is as well, they both will have Down Imaging capabilities too, correct?

Appreciate the help sir.
Ryan

No, that unit does not have Down Imaging. It has composite Down Imaging VIEWS created by blending the two SI pulses.
Composite DI was added to SI units with a software update on Jan 10, 2010.
All SI units have that up until the MEGA SI units, and ONIX SI/SOLIX SI units, those have true DI from a dedicated Down Imaging piezo in the SI transducer.
Actually the Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3/G3N doesn't have Down Imaging either, same composite DI views.

That is why I stated your unit does not have a circuit for a Down Imaging transducer.

The lake I fish in Kansas has fairly deep water with Smallmouth and largemouth.
They get pretty deep for 4-5 months of the year.

I really would like to use my finder mostly to find deep bass drop-shotting in channels and structure.


Knowing the Unit that I have, is the (XTM 9 HDSI 180 T---the best one) still what you would recommend for the trolling motor knowing what I am looking to do?

Again, I hate to know very little, but really do want to get what I need.

Makes no difference with 2D sonar. The 2D piezo is the same in both.

The two transducer models are about the length of the SI piezos and Imaging quality